FEMA'MapNext draft maps out; Harris County launches public dashboard and outreach

Federal Emergency Management Agency draft "MapNext" floodplain maps were discussed in detail on Feb. 12, 2026, as Harris County flood-control staff described the technical inputs (updated channel mapping, Atlas 14 rainfall data and recent topography) and an engagement timeline that could stretch into multiple years before maps become regulatory.

Doctor Peterson, representing the Harris County Flood Control District, said the draft maps are early-stage, not yet regulatory and that FEMA''s processes will include multiple formal comment and appeal periods. Peterson emphasized the county has posted a public-friendly dashboard and pledged webinars and community outreach to explain risk at the neighborhood level. "These maps are draft; there will be multiple opportunities to review and provide feedback before any final determination," Peterson told the court.

County Engineer Milton Ramon told commissioners the county may freely share preliminary materials that are in the district's possession and recommended active, transparent engagement with homeowners and developers. Commissioners pressed staff to make material understandable to the public, to notify real-estate markets and lending partners, and to coordinate with neighboring counties and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where watersheds cross jurisdictional lines.

Flood-control staff said the draft model includes 1,600+ miles of channel mapping (with roughly 400 miles newly mapped) and that completed mitigation projects are already reducing mapped risk in some areas. They urged residents and stakeholder groups to use county tools and participate in planned forums; county staff said they would return with periodic updates as the FEMA process proceeds.